database telework possible?

Dear Everyone
I suppose you are much more experienced programmers
than myself so I would like to ask you to share your
experience on the following:
- I live in EEurope and have an idea of
telecommuting but as I concentrate strictly on
database design I am wondering if it is possible to
work without a manager abroad. In my opinion he would
be responsible of defining information system
requirements through interaction with the customer and
could be avoided only in the case of designing smaller
applications to cover for example operation of a video
rental or a car repair shop?